May 27, 2022

“I am only dust and ashes, but allow me to speak, since, see, it is to your mercy that I am speaking and not to man, my mocker. You, too, my smile at me, but you will turn and have compassion on me.” That is Augustine on prayer from his Confessions.

Nice way to think about prayer. When we speak to God we are speaking directly to His mercy. When we speak to people, or to ourselves, we are often speaking to judgment or suspicion or ridicule or inattentiveness. Very, very few people know how to actually listen. Nobody is able to listen with only mercy.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

Let us pray.

“O Lord our God, accept the fervent prayers of your people; in the multitude of your mercies, look with compassion upon us and all who turn to you for help; for you are gracious, O lover of souls, and to you we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.” (Collect at the Prayers – BCP)